Mounting device

ABSTRACT

A mounting device may include a first arm, a first void defined in the first arm, a second arm, and a second void defined in the second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be engaged to one another via the first void and the second void. The mounting device may further include a top plate coupled to the first arm and the second arm.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/139,953, filed Jan. 21, 2021. Thisapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to rooftop anchoring devices.Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods forsurface coupling devices incorporating a cross-beam member to distributea load across a surface and a number of sealing devices to seal anyapertures defined in the surface created by fasteners used to fasten therooftop anchoring devices to the surface.

BACKGROUND

People working on the tops and sides of buildings, as well as other highstructures, risk falling and suffering injury as a result. In modemsociety, building construction and building maintenance are areas thatcontinue to expose workers to the risk of dangerous falls. According tothe U.S. Department of Labor, work related falls are among the mostcommon sources of work related severe injuries and death. (See, e.g.,https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/). The Department of Labor'sBureau of Labor Statistics reports that slips, trips and falls resultedin approximately 229,000 injuries per year (2011-2013) resulting inapproximately 700 workplace deaths per year. Death from falls is secondonly to vehicle related deaths and account for roughly 16% of workrelated deaths. OSHA and ANSI 1-14 provide standards to reduce thenumber and severity of workplace falls. Fall protection equipment must,perform under a wide variety of conditions while not hindering theability of the workers to safely perform their jobs.

In addition, workers who are tasked with working on a roof of a buildingor even suspending from the roof of a building require certified tie-offpoints to connect their rigging. These points are regulated by OSHA inthe 1910.27 standard and other regulations and are required to support aminimum 5,000 lbs. load. These tie-off points, which may be referred toas “anchorage points” in the industry, must be designed, built, andinstalled under the direction of a qualified person or a professionalengineer. These anchorage points are often used interchangeably forsuspension rigging and as a connection for fall protection equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth below with reference to theaccompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of areference number identifies the figure in which the reference numberfirst appears. The use of the same reference numbers in differentfigures indicates similar or identical items. The systems depicted inthe accompanying figures are not to scale and components within thefigures may be depicted not to scale with each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a mounting device, accordingto an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top exploded and isometric view of the mountingdevice of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of the top plate of the mountingdevice of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top isometric view of the top plate of the mountingdevice of FIG. 1 in an unbent configuration, according to an example ofthe principles described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the top plate of the mounting deviceof FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a first, bottom arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the first, bottom arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the first, bottom arm of themounting device of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an end view of the first, bottom arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 6, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the second, top arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the second, top arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 10, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of the second, top arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 8, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the second, top arm of the mountingdevice of FIG. 10, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an end of the arms of FIGS. 6 and/or 10interfacing with a top plate of the mounting device of FIG. 1 withincircle A of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an anchor coupled to the top plate ofthe mounting device of FIG. 1 within circle B of FIG. 1, according to anexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a base plate of the mounting device ofFIG. 1, according to an example of the principles described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Fall protection devices are devices that assist in protecting users fromfalling off structures such as buildings. These fall protection devicesseek to prevent a fall from structures by securing the user to anchorscoupled to the structure such as the roof of the structure. Thesedevices are often required and regulated by the Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA) that function under a number of laws andregulations such as Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.Further, industries standards may be provided by private, non-profitorganizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).For example, guidance and testing parameters for fall protection andfall arrest devices are provided by the ANSI Z-359 Fall Protection Code.

OSHA is an organization concerned with the safety, health, and welfareof people engaged in work or employment. The goals of occupationalhealth and safety programs include fostering a safe and healthy workenvironment. OSHA may also protect co-workers, family members,employers, customers, and many others who might be affected by theworkplace environment. Thus, OSHA seeks to protect any individual whomay use devices that provide a secure tie down while accessing a rooftoparea, for example. Due to the distances that may separate the roof of astructure from a ground floor or other elevation below the roof, anindividual accessing the roof area may be in significant danger as toloss of life or limb if a fall should occur. Thus, a fall protectionsystem that secures an individual while accessing the roof of thestructure significantly reduces or eliminates any death or injuries thatmay otherwise be experienced during such activities.

Examples described herein provide a system including a mounting deviceonto which a user may secure themselves from a fall. The mounting deviceincludes a multitude of arms extending from a central hub to provideadditional stability. Further, the arms extending from the central huballows the mounting device to be coupled to a surface such as a roofsurface in a plurality of points along the surface of the roof resultingin the mount being coupled more securely to the roof. In other words,the arms may be secured to the roof surface over a relatively largersurface area of the roof as opposed to a stanchion or similar singlepoint tethering device to disperse a load placed on the mounting devicethat includes the arms across the larger surface area.

In one example, four arms may be coupled to the roof surface directly.In one example, the four arms may be coupled to the roof surfaceindirectly via a number of bases or base plates. The bases may includesealable or self-sealing membranes that cover fasteners and holes formedin the surface of the roof. The fasteners used to directly or indirectlycouple the mounting device to the roof surface may be coupled to anyportion of the roof surface irrespective of whether the fasteners coupleto underlying structures within the roof such as any joist. Thus, inthis manner, the mounting device may be coupled at any position alongthe roof surface while still providing a necessary load rating that maysecure a user to the roof. In one example, the load rating of themounting device described herein may be approximately 5,000 pounds.

In the description herein, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems,and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Referencein the specification to “an example” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith that example is included as described but may not be included inother examples.

Overview

Examples described herein provide a mounting device. The mounting devicemay include a first arm, a first void defined in the first arm, a secondarm, and a second void defined in the second arm. The first arm and thesecond arm may be engaged to one another via the first void and thesecond void. The mounting device may further include a top plate coupledto the first arm and the second arm.

The mounting device may further include at least one base plate coupledto at least an end of the first arm or the second arm. The at least onebase plate may include four base plates. A first base plate may becoupled to a first end of the first arm, a second based plate is coupledto a second end of the first arm, a third based plate is coupled to afirst end of the second arm, and a fourth based plate is coupled to asecond end of the second arm.

The at least one base plate may include a substrate to couple themounting device to a structure via a number of structure fasteners, acoupling device extending at a 90 degree angle relative to a surface ofthe substrate, and a first seal coupled to a top surface of thesubstrate. The first seal may include an aperture through which thecoupling device extends. The at least one base plate may further includea second seal coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate. The firstseal seals the substrate between the first seal and the second seal, andthe second seal seals the number of structure fasteners and the surfaceof the structure. The first seal and the second seal may be made of apolymer and may be sealed from an environment by coupling at least aportion of the first seal to at least a portion of the second seal.

The top plate secures the first arm to the second arm. The first arm andthe second arm are coupled via the first void and the second void at a90 degree angle. The top plate may include a center portion, and fourextensions extending from the center portion. The four extensions mayextend in four cardinal directions from one another. At least one of theextensions may include a coupling panel formed at a 90 degree angle withrespect to a surface of the extension. The coupling panel may couple toone of the first arm or the second arm.

The coupling panel includes a plurality of coupling panels. Each of thefour extensions may include at least one of the coupling panels. A firstcoupling panel of a first extension may be coupled to a first end of thefirst arm. A second coupling panel of a second extension may be coupledto a second end of the first arm. A third coupling panel of a thirdextension may be coupled to a first end of the second arm. A fourthcoupling panel of a fourth extension may be coupled to a second end ofthe second arm.

The mounting device may further include a bolt extending through a firstaperture defined in the top plate, a second aperture defined in thefirst arm, and a third aperture defined in the second arm. The boltsecures the top plate, the first arm, and the second arm to one another.The mounting device may further include a tether coupled to the bolt.

Examples described herein also provide an apparatus including a firstarm, a first void defined in the first arm, a second arm, and a secondvoid defined in the second arm. The first arm and the second arm may beengaged to one another via the first void and the second void. Theapparatus may further include a top plate coupled to the first arm andthe second arm, and at least one base plate coupled to at least an endof the first arm or the second arm.

The at least one base plate may include four base plates. A first baseplate may be coupled to a first end of the first arm. A second basedplate may be coupled to a second end of the first arm. A third basedplate may be coupled to a first end of the second arm. A fourth basedplate may be coupled to a second end of the second arm.

The at least one base plate may include a substrate to couple theapparatus to a structure via a number of structure fasteners, a couplingdevice to couple the substrate to the apparatus, and a first sealcoupled to a top surface of the substrate. The first seal may include anaperture through which the coupling device extends. The at least onebase plate may further include a second seal coupled to a bottom surfaceof the substrate. The first seal seals the substrate between the firstseal and the second seal, and the second seal seals the number ofstructure fasteners and a surface of the structure. The first seal andthe second seal may be made of a polymer, and the first seal may becoupled to the second seal via an adhesive to seal the substrate from anenvironment.

The first arm and the second arm engage via the first void and thesecond void at a 90 degree angle. The top plate may include a centerportion, and four extensions extending from the center portion. The fourextensions may extend in four cardinal directions from one another. Atleast one of the extensions may include a coupling panel formed at a 90degree angle with respect to a surface of the extension. The couplingpanel couples to one of the first arm or the second arm.

The coupling panel may include a plurality of coupling panels. Each ofthe four extensions may include at least one of the coupling panels. Afirst coupling panel of a first extension may be coupled to a first endof the first arm. A second coupling panel of a second extension may becoupled to a second end of the first arm. A third coupling panel of athird extension may be coupled to a first end of the second arm. Afourth coupling panel of a fourth extension may be coupled to a secondend of the second arm.

The apparatus may further include a bolt extending through a firstaperture defined in the top plate, a second aperture defined in thefirst arm, and a third aperture defined in the second arm. The boltsecures the top plate, the first arm, and the second arm to one another.The apparatus may further include a tether coupled to the bolt.

Example Embodiments

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of amounting device 100, according to an example of the principles describedherein. FIG. 2 illustrates a top exploded and isometric view of themounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein. The mounting device 100 may include a top plate 102having a center portion 104, and four extensions extending from thecenter portion 104. A first, bottom arm 114 (referred to hereinafterbottom arm 114) and a second, top arm 116 (referred to hereafter as toparm 116) are coupled to the top plate 102. The bottom arm 114 and thetop arm 116 may be engaged to one another via a first void defined inthe bottom arm 114 and a second void defined in the top arm 116. The topplate may be secured to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, and, thetop plate may be the means by which the bottom arm 114 is secured to thetop arm 116 via fasteners coupling the top plate 102 to the bottom arm114 and the top arm 116. More details regarding the top plate 102, thebottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 are provided below.

In one example, the top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm116 may be secured to a surface of a structure such as a roof directlythrough the use of a number of fasteners. In one example, the top plate102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 may be secured to a surfaceof a structure such as a roof via a number of base plates 120-1, 120-2,120-3, 120-4 (collectively referred to as “base plate(s) 120”). The baseplates 120 may include a number of seals to seal portions of the baseplates 120 from the environment in which the mounting device 100 isdeployed. The environment may include any type of weather includingprecipitation, wind, contaminating dirt, solar heat, etc.

An anchor 118 may be coupled to the top plate 102 at, for example, thecenter portion 104 of the top plate 102 such as in a direct center ofthe center portion 104. A top plate aperture 202 may be defined in thetop plate 102 to allow for a tether fastener 208 to extend through thetop plate 102 and a mounting portion of the anchor 118 to secure theanchor 118 to the top plate 102. The anchor 118 may be any devicecapable of providing an anchor to which ropes, cables and other fallprotection equipment may be coupled. In one example, the anchor 118 mayinclude a MEGA swivel anchor developed and distributed by ClimbTech.However, any device including a loop capable of providing an anchor towhich ropes, cables and other fall protection equipment may be coupledmay be utilized.

The top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116 may be madeof any rigid material that may withstand loads placed thereon if andwhen an individual tethered to the mounting device 100 falls from thestructure. In one example, the top plate 102, the bottom arm 114, andthe top arm 116 may be made of a metal, metal alloys, a coated metal,coated metal alloys, composite materials, and other rigid, load-bearingmaterials.

In FIG. 1, the top plate 102 is depicted as being coupled to the bottomarm 114 and the top arm 116, and in FIG. 2, the top plate is depicted inan exploded view with respect to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116.In FIG. 2, specifically, the top plate 102 is depicted as being rotatedby approximately 45 degrees (°) in the clockwise direction relative tothe orientation of the top plate 102 as depicted in FIG. 1. In the statein FIG. 2, a number of plate extensions 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4(collectively referred to as “plate extension(s) 106”), a correspondingnumber of coupling panels 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4 (collectivelyreferred to as “coupling panel(s) 110”), and a corresponding number ofend panels 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 (collectively referred to as “endpanel(s) 108”) coupled to or extending from the center portion 104 ofthe top plate 102. In one example, the plate extensions 106, couplingpanels 110, and end panels 108 may be formed as part of the top panel102 when initially cut from a single piece of material. In this example,the coupling panels 110 and end panels 108 may be bent with respect tothe plane of the top plate 102 to obtain their respective orientationswith respect to the top plate 102. More regarding the manner in whichthe coupling panels 110 and end panels 108 are bent is described in moredetail herein in connection with FIGS. 3-5. In one example, the plateextensions 106, coupling panels 110, and/or end panels 108 may becoupled to the top plate 102 via welding, a number of fasteners, andother coupling methods and means.

Turning to the top plate 102, FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view ofthe top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to anexample of the principles described herein. FIG. 4 illustrates a topisometric view of the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 1in an unbent configuration, according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the top plate 102 ofthe mounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of theprinciples described herein. As depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5, the plateextensions 106 may extend from the center portion 104 of the top plate102 in four coordinate directions. In one example and as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, the center portion 104 of the top plate 102 may includean approximately square shape, and the plate extensions 106 may extendfrom the four corners of the approximately square shape of the centerportion 104. In one example, the plate extensions 106 may be formed atangle D relative to a side of the top plate 102 as depicted in FIG. 4.In one example, angle D may be approximately 135°.

The coupling panels 110 may extend from the plate extensions 106. InFIG. 4, dotted lines 404-1, 404-2, 404-3, 404-4 (collectively referredto as “dotted line(s) 404”) demark the border between the couplingpanels 110 and the plate extensions 106 and serve as an indication as towhere the coupling panels 110 are bent relative to the plate extensions106. In one example, the coupling panels 110 are bent relative to theplate extensions 106 at 90° so that the coupling panels 110 may engagewith and couple to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 are describedherein. In this manner, the coupling panels 110 serve to couple the topplate 102 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. The coupling panels110 may include a number of coupling panel apertures 204-1, 204-2,204-3, 204-4 (collectively referred to as “coupling panel aperture(s)204”). The coupling panel apertures 204 allow for a number of couplingpanel fasteners 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, 112-4 (collectively referred to as“coupling panel fastener(s) 112”) to couple the top plate 102 of themounting device 100 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 via thecoupling panels 110.

In order to accommodate the coupling panel fasteners 112 to couple thebottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 to the top plate 102 via the couplingpanels 110 a number of corresponding bottom arm apertures 212-1, 212-2,212-3, 212-4 (collectively referred to as “bottom arm aperture(s) 212”),and top arm apertures 1002-1, 1002-2, 1002-3, 1002-4 (collectivelyreferred to as “top arm aperture(s) 1002”) depicted in FIGS. 2 and 6through 13 may be defined within the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116,respectively. Thus, the coupling panel fasteners 112, when being used tocouple the top plate 102 to the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116, thecoupling panel fasteners 112 may engage with their respective couplingpanel apertures 204, bottom arm apertures 212, and top arm apertures1002 such that the coupling panel fasteners 112 extend through thecoupling panels 110, the bottom arm 114, and the top arm 116. In oneexample, the coupling panel fasteners 112 may each include a bolt, anut, and/or a number of washers that secure both sides of the channelformed by the coupling panel apertures 204, bottom arm apertures 212,and top arm apertures 1002. However, the coupling panel fasteners 112may include any type of fastener including, for example, bolts and/ornuts, screws, nails, rivets, lynch pins, cotter pins, locking pins,clevis pins, other fasteners, and combinations thereof.

The end panels 108 may, like the coupling panels 110, extend from theplate extensions 106. In FIG. 4, dotted lines 402-1, 402-2, 402-3, 402-4(collectively referred to as “dotted line(s) 402”) demark the borderbetween the end panels 108 and the plate extensions 106 and serve as anindication as to where the end panels 108 are bent relative to the plateextensions 106. In one example, the end panels 108 are bent relative tothe plate extensions 106 at approximately 60° so that the end panels 108may cover channel defined in and along the length of the bottom arm 114and the top arm 116. In this manner, the end panels 108 serve to closeoff the ends of the hollow bottom arm 114 and top arm 116 and assist inobjects and precipitation from entering the hollow bottom arm 114 andtop arm 116. In one example, and as described in more detail herein, theends of the bottom arm 114 and top arm 116 may be angled atapproximately 60° to match the approximately 60° angle of the bent endpanels 108.

In one example, the top plate 102 including the center portion 104, theplate extensions 106, the end panels 108, and/or the coupling panels 110may be coated to reduce or eliminate corrosion to the top plate 102. Inone example, the top plate 102 may be coated with neoprene (e.g.,polychloroprene).

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the first, bottom arm 114 of themounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the first, bottom arm114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 6, according to an example of theprinciples described herein. FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of thefirst, bottom arm 114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 6, according toan example of the principles described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates an endview of the first, bottom arm 114 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 6,according to an example of the principles described herein.

As depicted in FIGS. 6 through 9, the bottom arm 114 includes a hollowinterior or channel 900 depicted in, for example, FIG. 9. Thus, thebottom arm 114 includes a wall through which a number of apertures andfeatures may be formed. For example, the bottom arm 114 may includebottom arm apertures 212 defined therein to allow the coupling panels110 of the top plate 102 to be coupled to the bottom arm 114 via thecoupling panel fasteners 112.

Further, the wall formed by the channel 900 defined within the bottomarm 114 allows for base apertures 206-1, 206-3 to also be defined withina bottom wall of the bottom arm 114. As described in more detail herein,the base apertures 206-1, 206-3 provide for the coupling of the bottomarm 114 to a surface of the structure to which the mounting device 100is coupled either directly or indirectly via the base plates 120.

The bottom arm 114 may also include a center aperture 606 through whichthe tether fastener 208 may be extended. The center aperture 606 may bealigned with the top plate aperture 202 such that the tether fastener208 may extend through both the center aperture 606 and the top plateaperture 202 in an aligned manner. In one example, the center aperture606 may have a square shape to allow a square neck bolt (also referredto as a carriage bolt) to be used as the tether fastener 208 where theshallow head of the bolt is secured to an outside of the bottom arm 114and the square neck engages with the square-shaped center aperture 606.In this example, the square neck of the tether fastener 208 self-lockswith the square-shaped center aperture 606 and allows for a single toolbeing used from the top side of the mounting device to couple the bottomarm 114, the top arm 116, the top plate 102, and/or the anchor 118 toone another.

The ends of the bottom arm 114 may be formed at an angle. As mentionedabove, the angle of the ends of the bottom arm 114 may be formed atangle C as indicated in FIG. 6. In one example, angle C may beapproximately 60°. This allows the end panels 108 to be bent over theends of the bottom arm 114 at approximately 60° to match angle C of theends of the bottom arm 114. Further, this allows for the channel 900within the bottom arm 114 to be protected from objects and precipitationfrom entering therein.

The bottom arm 114 may also include a first void 604 defined in a topsurface of the bottom arm 114. In one example, the first void 604 mayextend approximately half way down the height of the bottom arm 114 toallow for a similarly-shaped second void 1004 defined in the top arm 116to engage with one another and ensure that the bottom arm 114 and thetop arm 116 lie at the same plane when engaged via the first void 604and the second void 1004. Further, the width of the first void 604 alonga length of the bottom arm 114 may be approximately equivalent to thewidth of the top arm 116 (and the bottom arm 114). In this manner, thetop arm 116 may seat within the first void 604.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the second, top arm 116 of themounting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principlesdescribed herein. FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the second, top arm116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 10, according to an example ofthe principles described herein. FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view ofthe second, top arm 116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG. 8, accordingto an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 13 illustrates anend view of the second, top arm 116 of the mounting device 100 of FIG.10, according to an example of the principles described herein.

The top arm 116 includes several features that are similar to thefeatures described herein in connection with the bottom arm 114. Asdepicted in FIGS. 10 through 13, the top arm 116 includes a hollowinterior or channel 1302 depicted in, for example, FIG. 13. Thus, thetop arm 116 includes a wall through which a number of apertures andfeatures may be formed. For example, the top arm 116 may include top armapertures 1002 defined therein to allow the coupling panels 110 of thetop plate 102 to be coupled to the top arm 116 via the coupling panelfasteners 112.

Further, the wall formed by the channel 900 defined within the top arm116 allows for base apertures 206-2, 206-4 to also be defined within abottom wall of the top arm 116. As described in more detail herein, thebase apertures 206-2, 206-4 provide for the coupling of the top arm 116to a surface of the structure to which the mounting device 100 iscoupled either directly or indirectly via the base plates 120.

The top arm 116 may also include a center aperture 1006 through whichthe tether fastener 208 may be extended. The center aperture 1006 may bealigned with the top plate aperture 202 and the center aperture 606 ofthe bottom arm 114 such that the tether fastener 208 may extend throughthe center aperture 1006, the center aperture 606 of the bottom arm 114,and the top plate aperture 202 in an aligned manner. Further, in thismanner, the anchor 118 may be coupled to the top plate 102, the top arm116, and the bottom arm 114.

The ends of the top arm 116 may be formed at an angle in a mannersimilar to the bottom arm 114. As mentioned above, the angle of the endsof the top arm 116 may be formed at angle C as indicated in FIG. 10. Inone example, angle C may be approximately 60°. This allows the endpanels 108 to be bent over the ends of the top arm 116 at approximately60° to match angle C of the ends of the top arm 116. Further, thisallows for the channel 1302 within the top arm 116 to be protected fromobjects and precipitation from entering therein.

The top arm 116 may also include a second void 1004 defined in a bottomsurface of the top arm 116. In one example, the second void 1004 mayextend approximately half way through the height of the top arm 116 toallow for the similarly-shaped first void 604 defined in the bottom arm114 to engage with one another and ensure that the top arm 116 and thebottom arm 114 lie at the same plane when engaged via the first void 604and the second void 1004. Further, the width of the second void 1004along a length of the top arm 116 may be approximately equivalent to thewidth of the bottom arm 114 (and the top arm 116). In this manner, thetop arm 116 may seat within the first void 604.

Having described both the bottom arm 114 and top arm 116 as well as thetop plate 102, the manner in which the top plate, the bottom arm 114,and the top arm 116 are coupled will now be described. The bottom arm114 may be engaged with the top arm 116 via the first void 604 of thebottom arm 114 and the second void 1004 of the top arm 116. In thisconfiguration, the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 are coupled to oneanother perpendicularly. In this arrangement of the bottom arm 114 andthe top arm 116, the coupling panels 110 of the top plate 102 align withthe bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 since the of plate extensions 106and the coupling panels 110 coupled thereto are also arrangedperpendicularly with respect to neighboring coupling panels 110. Thecoupling panel fasteners 112 are caused to engage with the couplingpanels 110 and the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. With thisengagement and coupling, the top plate 102 is coupled to the bottom arm114 and the top arm 116 and, secures the bottom arm 114 to the top arm116. Further, the tether fastener 208 may be caused to engage with thetop plate 102, the top arm 116 and the bottom arm 114 via the top plateaperture 202, the center aperture 1006 of the top arm 116 and the centeraperture 606 of the bottom arm 114 to further couple these elementstogether. Further, an anchor 118 may be coupled to the top plate 102 viathe tether fastener 208.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an end of the arms 114, 116 of FIGS. 6and/or 10 interfacing with the top plate 102 of the mounting device 100of FIG. 1 within circle A of FIG. 1, according to an example of theprinciples described herein. As depicted in FIG. 14, plate extension106-4 and the respective coupling panel 110-4 and end panel 108-4 aredepicted as being coupled to the top arm 116 via the coupling panelfastener 112-4. Also depicted is base plates 120-4 which will bedescribed in connection with FIG. 16.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an anchor coupled to the top plate ofthe mounting device of FIG. 1 within circle B of FIG. 1, according to anexample of the principles described herein. The center portion 104 ofthe top plate 102 is depicted with the anchor 118 coupled to the topplate 102. Again, the anchor 118 may include any device including a loopcapable of providing an anchor to which ropes, cables and other fallprotection equipment may be coupled. In one example, the anchor 118 mayinclude a MEGA swivel anchor developed and distributed by ClimbTech.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a base plate 120 of the mounting device100 of FIG. 1, according to an example of the principles describedherein. Although in one example the mounting device 100 may beimplemented without the inclusion of the base plate(s) 120, in oneexample, a number of base plates 120 may be included in order to ensurethat the mounting device 100 and any fasteners used to couple themounting device 100 do not come into contact with water such as throughprecipitation and become subject to oxidation, corrosion, etc.

The base plate 120 may include a substrate 1606 to couple the mountingdevice 100 to a surface of a structure. The substrate 1606 is depictedin dashed lines because it is positioned between a first membrane 1604and a second membrane 1608. The substrate 1606 may include a number ofsubstrate fastener apertures 1610 defined therein. Any number ofsubstrate fastener apertures 1610 may be defined in the substrate 1606,a few of which are identified in FIG. 16. Further, the substratefastener apertures 1610 may be defined anywhere on the substrate 1606.In one example, the substrate fastener apertures 1610 may be located atany number of points along the substrate 1606 irrespective of where asubstructure under the surface of the structure such as a joist orsimilar substructure element is located. In one example, the structurefasteners 122 may be passed through the substrate fastener apertures1610 and into the surface of the structure. The structure fasteners 122may include screws, lag bolts, nails, or other types of fasteners.

The substrate 1606 may include a coupling device 1602 such as a threadedbolt extending at a 90 degree angle relative to a surface of thesubstrate 1602. The coupling device 1602 may enter the base apertures206 defined in the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116. A nut 210-1,210-2, 210-3, 210-4 (collectively referred to as “nut(s) 210”) may beused to secure the bottom arm 114 and the top arm 116 to the substrate1606 via the coupling device 1602 as the nut engages with the couplingdevice 1602.

A first seal 1604 may be coupled to a top surface of the substrate 1606.The first seal 1604 may include an aperture through which the couplingdevice 1602 extends. The bottom of the first seal 1604 may be coupled tothe top of the substrate 1606 using, for example, an adhesive, asealant, a waterproof sealant, or similar bonding agent to bond thebottom of the first seal 1604 to the top of the substrate 1606. A secondseal 1608 may be coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate 1606using, for example, the adhesive, sealant, waterproof sealant, orsimilar bonding agent in a similar manner. Thus, the substrate 1606 issealed between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608. The outerperimeter of the first seal 1604 that extends beyond the width of thesubstrate 1606 may be coupled to the second seal 1608 to seal thesubstrate 1606 between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608.However, before sealing the substrate 1606 between the first seal 1604and the second seal 1608, the structure fasteners 122 may be passedthrough the substrate fastener apertures 1610 and into the surface ofthe structure.

The second seal 1608 may then be sealed to the surface of the structureusing the adhesive, sealant, waterproof sealant, or similar bondingagent. In this manner, the second seal 1608 seals the number ofstructure fasteners 122 and the surface of the structure. This preventswater from precipitation from entering below the base plates 120 andcorroding the structure fasteners 122 or entering holes formed throughthe impingement of the structure fasteners 122 into the surface of thestructure.

In one example, the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608 may be madeof a polymer such as a rubber material. Further, the first seal 1604 andthe second seal 1608 sealed from an environment through the use of amaterial that is waterproof and impervious to water.

In one example, a separation disc 1612 may be included around thecoupling device 1602. The separation disc 1612 may be coupled to thefirst seal 1604 and may be included to further waterproof and seal thesubstrate 1606 between the first seal 1604 and the second seal 1608 bycovering any space between the first seal 1604 and the coupling device1602. In one example, the separation disc 1612 may be coupled to the topof the first seal 1604 and/or any portion of the coupling device 1602using, for example, the adhesive, sealant, waterproof sealant, orsimilar bonding agent to create this additional seal.

Throughout the description, a number of different fasteners are utilizedto couple the various elements of the mounting device 100 together. Thefasteners described herein may be any type of fastening device as may beadvantageous

CONCLUSION

The examples described herein provide a device, system, and method forsecuring an individual to a roof surface. The mounting device may becoupled to a roof surface anywhere with or without being coupled tounderstructures such as joists, etc. while still allowing for a securedevice capable of being loaded at a standardized load such as, forexample, 5,000 pounds.

While the present systems and methods are described with respect to thespecific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the presentsystems and methods are not limited to these specific examples. Sinceother modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the present systems and methods are not considered limited to theexample chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes andmodifications which do not constitute departures from the true spiritand scope of the present systems and methods.

Although the application describes examples having specific structuralfeatures and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that theclaims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or actsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and acts are merelyillustrative some examples that fall within the scope of the claims ofthe application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting device comprising: a first arm; afirst void defined in the first arm; a second arm; a second void definedin the second arm, the first arm and the second arm being engaged to oneanother via the first void and the second void; and a top plate coupledto the first arm and the second arm.
 2. The mounting device of claim 1,further comprising at least one base plate coupled to at least an end ofthe first arm or the second arm.
 3. The mounting device of claim 2,wherein: the at least one base plate includes four base plates, and afirst base plate is coupled to a first end of the first arm, a secondbased plate is coupled to a second end of the first arm, a third basedplate is coupled to a first end of the second arm, and a fourth basedplate is coupled to a second end of the second arm.
 4. The mountingdevice of claim 2, wherein the at least one base plate includes: asubstrate to couple the mounting device to a structure via a number ofstructure fasteners; a coupling device extending at a 90 degree anglerelative to a surface of the substrate; a first seal coupled to a topsurface of the substrate, the first seal including an aperture throughwhich the coupling device extends; and a second seal coupled to a bottomsurface of the substrate, wherein the first seal seals the substratebetween the first seal and the second seal, and wherein the second sealseals the number of structure fasteners and the surface of thestructure.
 5. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein: the first sealand the second seal are made of a polymer, and the first seal and thesecond seal are sealed from an environment.
 6. The mounting device ofclaim 1, wherein the top plate secures the first arm to the second arm.7. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the secondarm are coupled via the first void and the second void at a 90 degreeangle.
 8. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the top plateincludes: a center portion; and four extensions extending from thecenter portion, the four extensions extending in four cardinaldirections from one another, wherein at least one of the extensionsincludes a coupling panel formed at a 90 degree angle with respect to asurface of the extension, the coupling panel coupling to one of thefirst arm or the second arm.
 9. The mounting device of claim 8, wherein:the coupling panel includes a plurality of coupling panels, each of thefour extensions includes at least one of the coupling panels, a firstcoupling panel of a first extension is coupled to a first end of thefirst arm, a second coupling panel of a second extension is coupled to asecond end of the first arm, a third coupling panel of a third extensionis coupled to a first end of the second arm, and a fourth coupling panelof a fourth extension is coupled to a second end of the second arm. 10.The mounting device of claim 1, further comprising a bolt extendingthrough a first aperture defined in the top plate, a second aperturedefined in the first arm, and a third aperture defined in the secondarm, the bolt securing the top plate, the first arm, and the second armto one another.
 11. The mounting device of claim 10, further comprisinga tether coupled to the bolt.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a first arm;a first void defined in the first arm; a second arm; a second voiddefined in the second arm, the first arm and the second arm beingengaged to one another via the first void and the second void; a topplate coupled to the first arm and the second arm; and at least one baseplate coupled to at least an end of the first arm or the second arm. 13.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the at least one base plate includesfour base plates, and a first base plate is coupled to a first end ofthe first arm, a second based plate is coupled to a second end of thefirst arm, a third based plate is coupled to a first end of the secondarm, and a fourth based plate is coupled to a second end of the secondarm.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one base plateincludes: a substrate to couple the apparatus to a structure via anumber of structure fasteners; a coupling device to couple the substrateto the apparatus; a first seal coupled to a top surface of thesubstrate, the first seal including an aperture through which thecoupling device extends; and a second seal coupled to a bottom surfaceof the substrate, wherein the first seal seals the substrate between thefirst seal and the second seal, and wherein the second seal seals thenumber of structure fasteners and a surface of the structure.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein: the first seal and the second seal aremade of a polymer, and the first seal is coupled to the second seal viaan adhesive to seal the substrate from an environment.
 16. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the first arm and the second arm engage via thefirst void and the second void at a 90 degree angle.
 17. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the top plate includes: a center portion; and fourextensions extending from the center portion, the four extensionsextending in four cardinal directions from one another, wherein at leastone of the extensions includes a coupling panel formed at a 90 degreeangle with respect to a surface of the extension, the coupling panelcoupling to one of the first arm or the second arm.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein: the coupling panel includes a plurality of couplingpanels, each of the four extensions includes at least one of thecoupling panels, a first coupling panel of a first extension is coupledto a first end of the first arm, a second coupling panel of a secondextension is coupled to a second end of the first arm, a third couplingpanel of a third extension is coupled to a first end of the second arm,and a fourth coupling panel of a fourth extension is coupled to a secondend of the second arm.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprisinga bolt extending through a first aperture defined in the top plate, asecond aperture defined in the first arm, and a third aperture definedin the second arm, the bolt securing the top plate, the first arm, andthe second arm to one another.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, furthercomprising a tether coupled to the bolt.